Coalition tasks Abia politicians on good governance, sets agenda for aspirants

As the 2023 general elections draw closer, a coalition of town unions in Abia State under the aegis of Abia State Town Unions Association Youth Wing (ASTUAYW), comprising town unions in Abia and diaspora, has tasked Abians, as aspirants for various elective offices, and other stakeholders in the state on good governance.

In a press release issued in Lagos and signed by the President of the coalition, Chima Okorie, its Secretary, Ndubuisi Onwuchekwa and the Public Relations Officer, Sylvester Obasi, after the group’s meeting held on May 21, 2022, at the association’s national headquarters in Okota, Lagos State, the group said it has become important considering that Abia is lagging behind in economic and social development indices.

The group decried the political environment in the state, noting that it is characterised by poor governance, which provides fertile grounds for inefficiency, ineffectiveness and corruption.

The group said: “We have seen our state degenerate in every facet of economic and social development indices, as well as a political environment chracterised by poor governance, which provides fertile ground for inefficiency, ineffectiveness and corruption.”

The group expressed displeasure over the level of corruption and financial recklessness in the state by politicians.

It said: “The future of Abia youths is mortgaged by these politicians parading themselves as leaders and have wasted the commonwealth of Abia for themselves and their cronies. Abia can no longer measure up with other states in every area of developmental indices. The future is now stagnated and we smell the stench.

“We are, therefore, calling on Abia elders, elites, politicians, electorates and all stakeholders that it is time to build our desired and better Abia, where progress and development can be seen and felt.”

The group, therefore, set the following agenda for political aspirants contesting various elective offices in the state, saying: “Every aspirant must understand that Abia is tilting towards a failed state.”

“Every aspirant should search his conscience to be sure he is willing to serve and project Abia in the right direction; and we shall, henceforth, activate a platform to sensitise Abians on their right to recall any politician who failed to fulfil his campaign promises.

“Henceforth aspirants must tender their assets declarations to the general public. And we shall be demanding quarterly account and performance appraisal of their stewardship.”